New-York tribune., 1887-12-12
MR.. PENTECosr RESIGNS.
QUITTING rHE ORTHODOX MINISTRY.


| "pRoGRgss AND POVERTY" HAS Don frs wo *
EFrECrUALIY--sUR RPafslNG MS C'NGREGAfroS.
Tho Rev. Hugh O. Pentccost formally announced his
resignation as pastor OF the Bellc lille Avenue Congre
gatiorsl Church. In Newark, at the morning services
yesterday AMI explained his reasons for taking this step
When In vote OF the congregation some time ago upon
the question whether Mr. Penecost should be continued
s pastor large minority voted for his dismissal 1t be
came manifest to the friends OF the pastor that he could
not long continue I'm the church. His resignation
yesterday was not only from the Bellevile Avenue
Church, but also from the orthodox ministry
Tho church was crowded at 10:30 a. IN yesterday
when Mr.. Penecost faced the congregation which ne
has presided for two years, and profound interest
pcrvaded the church. It expected that the pastor
would announce his resignation. but when he said In
addition that future would be bound by none OF tie
laws and rules OF evangelical Christianity murmur OF
surprise ran through the congregation.
Mr. Pentecost after giving ont his text. sad At the
close Of this sermon 1t is my intention TO tender my
resignation as pastor of thschurcb and trust ycu VIII
not consider unscemy II in my sermon this morning
give the reasons that have led to this act In doing
40 cannot but shrink from thrusng myself personally
upen you but the question fairness to my friends and
to those who opposed suggests the setting aside
OF all personal preferences and seconsciousncss When
was asked by committee from this church to consider
call pasorate nearly two years ago. stated that
Il would be easy for to acccde chiefly because al
had made mp my mind not to be bound again. But
know that the Congregational Church broad in its
views and told the gentlemen that 1t should be under
stood that not strictly orthodox In my theological
beliefs Ny course since has verified this. When was
brought before the council ade attempt to conceal
my mind.
HIS SYMPATHY FOR ANARCHISTS.
"I suppose the greatest friction among us was caused
by my economic views Our strained relations are due
to my sympathy with those who are striving for social
reform But to these things was added my .sympathy
for the four Anarchists In Chicago who said were
murdered All these things resulted In the calling OF the
meeting Of the church and trustees which resulted In
my favor while minority large and powerful expressed
desire to have leave have nothing whatever to
regret II had the same to do over again would say
aud do as have said and done"
Mr. Pcntecost was interrupted at this point By ap'
plause and requested that 1t be not repeated as 1t
offended many of the congregation. = He contln
ued: Ny feeling for the Chicago revolutionists
was akin to sympathy for what those men suf-
fered. They sufficiently brave TO fall willing
victims to selfish motives and for the beneht OF
their fellow men. Nobody has read Progress and
Poverty and pointed ont Its falacies. An illegal
murder cannot be justified by a legal one"
The speaker complained that some who had voted to
have him retire had not attended services for months
and had conception gwhat he had said The ques-
ton him whether lie should retain his flock He
would have resigned the night OF the meeting nut he
was not sufficiently calm and he needed consideration
II he should remain probably many would leave the
church The decision of the meeting was plainly not
accepted by the minority as final, AMI dIscord was was
inevitable He could not change his beliefs and he had
no right drive Of tho church those VINO had con-
trbutei build the edlhce Their rights were greater
his. While II pos ,bc that his friends would
leave tine church because he retired 1t was not probable
and they did he could not bo held responsible He did
not think he was martyr and he had suffered nothing
except in mind The thought of doing right was ample
compensation.
NO ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY FOR HIM.
The elimination Of all s" said the speaker, that
cannot longer be identified with orthodox Christianity
Of any kind Two years ago started study OF Chris
tan lives for the purpose .of getting at the truth
have rejected restricted communion and nave found
other doors Of inquiry open for me- GODS work Is lar
more important ttan creeds aud bibles. land we have
more bibles than one). But never considered that
had the right preach this doctrine here II might
unsettle the faith of Of the members The evan
gecal church says thus far shalt thou think and ne
further This / cannot consent to. My resignation
dates not later than January but II after this dis.
course church considers 1t improper for me TO fill
this pulpit again will consider 1t than right
II remain until January will take care to say no dis
turbing word"
Mr. Pentecost then read the following: / hereby
tender resignation pastor OF the Beleve Avenue
Church, to take effect not later than January /.
HUGH o. PENrECOST."